ILM
"The people who come here want to make a difference."
A Spirit of Optimism: The ILM in Offenbach continues to grow. In this interview, Arnd Hinrich Kappe explains what the 164th edition has in store.
Interview: Nicoletta Schaper. Photos: ILM
You experienced the last ILM as a real turning point. What has changed?
Arnd Hinrich Kappe, CEO of ILM Offenbach: This was the first ILM in a long time where people weren’t constantly talking about problems. The people who came want to make a difference. You could really feel that. On top of that, there was an extremely high level of international participation. People made plans to attend the ILM and traveled here, despite everything that’s going on out there right now.
What's new in the 164th edition?
Exciting new additions: Eastpak, Doc Martens, as well as Furla and Karl Lagerfeld. The partnership with the Travel Goods Association from the U.S. is growing to include 20 brands. The outdoor sector is expanding, even though there are hardly any trade shows left for it worldwide. For the first time, there will be two awards: one for the best retailer and one for the best product, presented by Frauke Ludowig. The supporting program focuses heavily on products: How are materials changing, and which ones should you invest in? Retailers want to know what will drive sales in the future. Also new are ten content creators who will showcase their favorite ILM products on social media.
What else?
Our entrance is getting even more glamorous, with a sequined wall and that giant bag again—a perfect backdrop for photos. There will also be food trucks, the house band, two female singers, and a DJ at the chill-out parties, plus a large block of hotel rooms available at discounted rates.
The Economy of Trust—what does that mean for you and the ILM?
Reliability. We are a business platform for the industry. This is where strategies are negotiated. Everyone is coming together more closely—we can really feel it. Unlike some other trade shows, we’re growing, investing more, and becoming more significant. Visitors from over 65 countries at the last ILM—that’s no small feat! What we do brings direct benefits to exhibitors and visitors alike. Here, it’s not an algorithm that decides—the industry itself determines what’s relevant.
